Joshua Thomas facts for kids

Joshua Thomas (born in 1719, died in 1797) was a writer from Wales. He was also a Baptist minister, which means he was a religious leader in the Baptist church. He is most famous for writing a history book about the Baptists in Wales.

His Life Story

Joshua Thomas was born on February 22, 1719, in a place called Tyhên, in Caio, Carmarthenshire, Wales. He was the oldest son of Morgan Thomas.

When he was 20 years old, in 1739, Joshua became an apprentice to his uncle, Simon Thomas. An apprentice learns a trade or skill from an experienced person. His uncle was a mercer (someone who sells fabrics) and also a minister in Hereford, England. Simon Thomas was also a writer and even had his own printing press! He wrote a book called Hanes y Byd a'r Amseroedd, which was a summary of world history.

In 1746, Joshua Thomas got married. He started his own business in Hay, Breconshire, Wales. While running his business, he also preached sometimes at the Baptist church in Maesyberllan. In 1749, he became a co-pastor there, sharing the minister's duties.

Later, in 1754, Joshua Thomas became the main pastor of the Baptist church in Leominster, England. He also ran a day-school there. He continued to live and work in Leominster until he passed away on August 25, 1797.

His Writings

Joshua Thomas's most important book was his history of the Baptists in Wales. It was published in 1778 and was called Hanes y Bedyddwyr ymhlith y Cymry, o amser yr Apostolion hyd y flwyddyn hon. This long title means "History of the Baptists among the Welsh, from the time of the Apostles to this year."

He also released a small book of corrections and extra information in 1780. Joshua Thomas even translated his own book into English, adding more details. This English version was kept in the Baptists' Library in Bristol.

Later, he wrote another book in English called A History of the Baptist Association in Wales. Parts of this book first appeared in a magazine called the Baptist Register between 1791 and 1795. The full book was published in 1795. Both of these history books are very important for understanding the early history of the Baptist church in Wales. A new edition of his Welsh history book was published in 1885.

Joshua Thomas also translated other books into Welsh. These books were about Baptist beliefs. Some of them include:

• Dr. Gill's Reply to the Arguments for Infant Baptism, advanced by Griffith Jones of Llanddowror (1751) – This book discussed the topic of infant baptism.
• Tystiolaeth y Credadyn am ei hawl i'r Nefoedd (1757) – This title means "The Believer's Testimony to His Right to Heaven."
• Samuel Ewer's Reply to Edward Hitchin on Infant Baptism (1767) – Another book about infant baptism.
• Robert Hall's Doctrine of the Trinity (1794) – This book explained the Christian idea of the Trinity.

His Family

Joshua Thomas came from a family deeply involved in the Baptist ministry. A remarkable eleven members of his family became Baptist ministers!

His son, Timothy Thomas (1753–1827), was a pastor for 47 years at a church in Devonshire Square, London. Joshua also had two brothers who were ministers:

• Timothy Thomas (1720–1768)
• Zechariah Thomas (1727–1816)

Both of his brothers served as pastors at the Aberduar church in Carmarthenshire, one after the other. His brother Timothy also wrote or translated several religious books and a book of hymns (songs for worship) in 1764.

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  Joshua Thomas